Breastfeeding Services

Benefits of Breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding, there are many benefits for both mother and baby. Click here to see a few provided by Baby Friendly USA.

Skin-To-Skin Contact
Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center supports skin-to-skin contact in which your baby is placed belly-down, directly on your chest, right after he or she is born. This is the best start to breastfeeding, as skin-to-skin babies breastfeed better and keep breastfeeding longer.

The Magical Hour
Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center refers to the first hour after birth as the “Magical Hour.” Your baby is placed skin-to-skin on your chest, and your healthcare team will care for the two of you as your baby transitions to life outside of the womb. Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center recommends that you preserve this special time of bonding by limiting visitors for this first hour.

Rooming-In
Keeping mothers and babies together as much as possible during their time in the hospital is beneficial. Some of the advantages include:

• Promotes bonding
• Better weight gain and less jaundice
• Promotes feeding
• Better sleep
• Promotes education

Breastfeeding Classes
Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center offers classes that cover the advantages of breastfeeding, getting off to a good start in the hospital, techniques that work, positions that are comfortable, signs of adequate infant intake, returning to work, collection and storage of breast milk, and correct use of pumping equipment. Click here to see all of our classes.

Breast Pumps
Breast pumps are available at Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center through the Medela breast pump rental station. Please contact your health insurance and doctor to confirm coverage. We recommend that your start to make arrangements prior to delivery.

Breastfeeding “Warm Line”
Our breastfeeding “warm line” is 201-520-4785. The line, which is answered by a Board-certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), is available for breastfeeding questions and assistance post-hospital-discharge.